Boat tours and living history for Easter at Buckler’s Hard

See the past come to life with living history characters at Buckler’s Hard over the Easter holidays and take tours on board Gipsy Moth IV and HMS Medusa for the start of the season.

From Good Friday March 30th – April 15th step back in time and discover the remarkable history of this 18th century village with costumed guides telling stories from the time of Henry Adams, Buckler’s Hard Master Shipbuilder from 1744 to 1805. Explore the Shipwright's Cottage and find out about life during Buckler’s Hard’s heyday when ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were being built.

Over Easter weekend, children can hunt for eight spotty ducks which are hidden around the attraction and inside the Maritime Museum. Then collect your mini chocolate egg treat rewards.

On Easter Sunday April 1st and Monday 2nd you can climb on board the famous Gipsy Moth IV for tours of this record-breaking yacht. Over half a century since Sir Francis Chichester became the first person to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe, visitors can see his remarkable vessel up close and learn about his trials and tribulations. Gipsy Moth IV will be moored at the bottom of the High Street, where Sir Francis began his epic voyage.

Returning in time for the Easter holidays is the tranquil River Cruise along the picturesque Beaulieu River (separate charges apply). Be one of the first of the season to join the cruise, listen to entertaining and informative commentary by the boat’s skipper and see the river’s natural beauty. Tickets can be bought in advance online as an add-on when buying a ticket to Buckler’s Hard, click here to find out more.

Then come back for a visit from 26th - 29th May when another vessel brimming with nautical history will be mooring up at the attraction. Step on board HMS Medusa which took a starring role in the Dunkirk movie and learn more about its wartime role of helping to clear the way to Omaha Beach for D-Day. The harbour defence motor launch can be spotted several times in the recently released film, taking soldiers including One Direction’s Harry Styles out to a destroyer.

Visitors to Buckler’s Hard are welcome to go on board these historic vessels during attraction opening times. Voluntary donations to the Gipsy Moth Trust and The Medusa Trust will be gratefully received. For more information see click here or call 01590 616203.

Buckler’s Hard admission tickets include access to all of the attraction, including the Maritime Museum, Shipwright’s Cottage and St Mary’s Chapel. Tickets can be bought in advance online or call 01590 616203 for more details.

For those arriving by public transport, on foot or by pedal-power, there is a green saving of 20% off the standard admission price. To claim your discount, just show your travel receipt for the day, bicycle helmet or walking boots when you buy your tickets. Click here for more details.

Round off your visit at the Captain’s Cabin Tea Rooms where further savings can be made by picking up a hot drink loyalty card. If you fancy a bite to eat, why not treat yourself to a tasty light lunch or delicious Towey Tea selection which celebrates the launch of the Towey, the last naval ship to be built at Buckler’s Hard.

Enjoy Buckler’s Hard all year round with a great value annual pass, which gives unlimited free re-entry for up to a year. Pass holders receive a 10% discount in the Buckler’s Hard gift shops with their new spring range, 5% discount on food and drink in the Captain’s Cabin Tea Rooms, discounts on the River Cruise and discounted entry to St Barbe Museum in Lymington. Click here for more details.